❧ OF THE OFFICE OF SERVAUNTES, A BOOK MADE IN Latin by one Gylbertus Cognatus and newly englished.  
1534   

❧ TO HIS RIGHT WOURSHIPFUL MASTER SIR HENRY KNYVET KNIGHT, ●one of the ienti●men of the kings majesties privy Chambre.  
ACCORDING sir, as ye bade me have I inglishid this little book, of the office of servants, but not according as I would it were, both to content tendereares, and also for mine own satisfaction. Trusting your goodness will with as free a mind receive it, as I also went about it, albeit in many places I found the same as a glass to see mine own faults in, (as I can not tell, and am glad to believe you meant it so) but thereby I find my conscience double discharged, in confessing the one, and fulfilling the other. And I pray God give your mastership long so to serve, as in a less degree we your servants ought, and would do.  
Your humble servant  
Thomas chaloner.   

FOR AS MOCHE AS MOST MEN suppose it to skill little, what waiting men they take to service, or in what wise they have them, where as in my judgement, not the smalllest part of a man's good, or evil hap, dependeth on the servant, I have thought good to set fourth this short treatise upon the same matter, which shall not (as I trust) be unfruitful, both to the masters, and them that serve also. And first will I treat what choice is to be had in servants. Then how their ratches, and conditions should be tried, Thirdly of the office, and duty of servants towards their masters, and of theirs like wise towards their men. For as towthing the first, seeing we chose out a treinde, we chose out a wife, not unskilful how pestilent a thing a feigned friend, or an evil manerde wife is, so must a servant also be chosen, who if he chance good, availeth greatly: if otherwise, is no mean hindrance. For why, we read of hole houses and families, that have decayed, and been subverted through untrusty servants. Then must this said choice be had, aswell on the one party, as tother, in as much as all men agree not with other so narrowly, but that it cometh oft to pass, what things alone by themselves at well sitting, yet the same put together may be unfitly. So because there is great diversity of wits amongs us, you shall find two men perhaps of like goodness, and perfection, whereof neither may away with other as touching household feleship.  
Further we must make our choice not only through our eyes, but our ears also, for our eyes conceive a certain guess upon the figure, and shape of the body, called by Greeks the phisenomy, sins Nature hath endewid men's bodies with certain marks, and tokens, whereby (nothing well) ye may the sooner wit of a persons inward dispositions, as in some man's look and aspect, there appeareth a manner ferocite, or rudeness, with deceit sitting in his brows, and wrath in all his countenance: and though the Gospel warneth us to dame no man by his look, yet is not the guess we conceive upon the notes of a man's body by these words forbidden, for it speaketh only of out ward things: As if we judge holiness in a man upon his poor and simple array, humilnes, for holding down his head, or hard living, because he looked lean. But yet upon the bodily marks, which either birth gave, or haunt of vices hath induced, a wise coniecturer may gather many things. These be natural notes, or tokens, as when the eyes are over-bigge, or to inwardly hollow, the mouth straiete, the eybries either slopewise as a fox hath, or else joining together, the voice great, or small. Besides these may ye also find in a man's face both likelihoods of accustomed drunkinnes, or an ireful mode in him: but of this kind of contecturinge albe it the great Aristotle disdaigned not to make a book, yet ought we give thereto, neither none, ne to ●oche credit, & as the choice therein requireth quick advisement, so ought not the same be overmuch curious, lest else perhaps the bargain should never kuytt betwixt them. But through our ears conceive we a more assured judgement. For as by our eyes we learn both of th'age, and helthines of the person, or what ever tokens else that Nature hath apparently expressed in his forehead, and eyes: as of unshamefastness, fierceness, amazedness, with such like: So by our ears understand we of his country, kinsfolks, bringing up, life afore led: together with the trustiness of his service in case ere then he hath served any body: yea of the self communication had with him may ye conceive no small intelligence of his conditions, for thereby is a man's figure most perfectly inseene, according to Socrates' sentence. Who unto a young man sent by his father to be seen and aviewed of him, speak (que he) somewhat, whereby I may see the. Neither is it unwittye that is told by Diogenes, who at a mart sitting to be sold for a slave, when the broker bade him stand up to show himself: what needeth that (que Diogenes) for are not fishes sold also lying? meaning by this that as fishes are dom, no more is a man keeping his tongue, known thouroly, whether he stand, or sit down. It is an evil sign when a servant reaporteth lewdly by those whom before he dwelled with, or if his talk be vain, lying loud without any change of hew. In this case surely not only the goodness of his nature must be considered, but also how things may be appliable. for if they agree not in effect, they ne can long hang together. And so, whose nature is somedeal irous, he should choose him servants of a milder mood: who so is godly disposed, let him take none but such as are given to godliness, or easily may be induced to the same. Then let a courtier pike him out a man of courtlike fashions. And so must a merchant get him those that are both gaining, and crafty. As touching this purpose, the country where they were borne, importeth not a little. for seldom shall ye see a man of Suevia or Silesia serve a Provinsale, or Hollander: seldomer a Hispanierde coupled with an Almaigne, and yet shall one hispanierd serve an other living with scarce and sober food, even point devise, that and if the common report is belevable, some of them get into service, to th'end that with their clean conveyance, and light fingering, they may furnish out their masters also: the Italians are more framed to all men's usages, yet scant can they susteign any foreign masters: but above all others the frenchmen are moste serviceable.  
¶ THUS hitherto having treated of the choice in servants, resteth what proof belongeth to the same: And as unto them that enter religion, is given one year of probation, so think I it behoving for men to hire their servants also under condition, that if after oone months assay th'one likith not tother, they may than break of, which is indifferent to both parties: and then afterwards for so long, & so moche may the bargain between them be more firmly renewed. Let no man stick much at his servants bluntness in the beginning, in case he find him apt to be taught, and pliant. Concerning which, the first assay (as saith the old proverb is) if he make a fire handsomely: For of less wood well couched shall a greater fire arise, then of a bigger heap disorderly frusshed down. For as with to much pestringe the flame is choked, so the same through due espace left between is quickly kindled through the airs help. Moreover in other like services it is a good token when a servant of himself foreseeth many things, when being ought warned, he thinketh thereon, and of his own reason doth gather, what is further there unto belonging. But of his talk (as I aforesaid) is the surest conjecture taken, how he is inclined. He seemeth well to be of an honest courage, who being admonished of his fault, doth blush thereat, and liketh nought himself therein: and then again rejoiceth, hearing his duty well done to be commended of his master, or if he be glad of his masters presence, loving, whom he knoweth for his masters well willers, and hating, whom he knoweth do mind, or speak the contrary. Suppose not that servant to be trusty, who either is abandoned to thine enemies, or (that worse is) to thy feigned friends. Some men for the nonis leave abroad money (as who saith) rechleslye, for proof if their servants be limefingred, which if it be well done, I report me: for that in my mind, maketh not so much to search owte, as to teach their servants theft, namely moved with such a stolen, which oftentimes enticeth the uprightest, them of their blabbing in this wise may ye be instructed, in telling them some tri full upon earnest charge not to disclose the same, and then do suborn some one, who may bait them to utter it, that in case they blab it fourth, it skilleth you little, and if they be hushed, ye may well in a greater matter trust them. plutarch rehearseth a proper count by a certain senator, who when his wife still inquired of him what was done in the senate house (as the report went how some weighty matters were there as then debated) seeing she never left boking, I shall tell thee (que he) in case thou canst hold thy peace, Tush, a stone shall sooner utter it. There was an Eagle (que he) seen fly over the City, being girt with a two-hande sword, and therefore take the Senators advise, what is meant by this wonder? for it should seem to pretend some great mishap unto our city. Now what became hereof? Forsooth, ere ever the husband could attain unto the market stead, he found all the commons there ready assembled devising of this foresaid wonder, and there unto the hole Senate, that marveled much at the people's so sudden assemble, did this Senator rehearse this tale upon his wife's goodly silence.  
¶ AND hitherto having treated what proof men should make upon their servants, I shall thurdely speak of both their offices and duties interchangeably. whereof the chief point is, that either have a well willing mind towards tother, Thone to deserve, though there to reward. For the good will is that, that supplieth a great deal in such offices. Then that from the beginning either so may bear with other, till at last upon further acquaintance in manners, a faster friendship may knit betwixt them: for amongs many, such friendship is disioigned, before th'one can know tother thouroly. And then again, many at the first are misliked, who, better assayed, may content you well enough. Therefore on th'one part, availeth the masters ientilnes, and (as who saith) winking at small faults. On tother the servants willingness to fulfil all his masters hests. In many, some light tatches do reign, but such as with as many virtues are recompensed again. As if a man be hasty, but yet soon cawlmed, but at need a faithful friend.  
So fareth it by a servant, peradventure haut minded. Who natheless by a soft meats may be reformed, the same being both trusty, and at all assays right profitable. And some there be again dut witted, yet if ye enjoygne them ought they will give good ear, with no less diligence to the same. It behoveth a master to entertain his servants between both: that neither his sterns may withdraw their good hearts, nor yet his to much softness move them to wantonness. no more should their courage with to much chiding or reviling be sharpened: but rather with good entreaty be made bounden unto him, so that next unto his wife, and children, should the servants in his house be cherished. he oweth them their food and clothing, not over dainty, but rather as need requireth, and they again own unto their master, good and true service. Wherapon they are called megnial, & chargetakers, because they perteign to household and aught to tend well their masters business. For and if that proverb is wourthly blamed, As many slaves so many enemies. (natheless even amongs such slaves, there have some been, who in their lords defence have little esteemed their own liefes). How much the more than may we conceive such trust upon our servants? And yet all slaves were not such as in Comedies they are set fourth.  
Therence in his comedy named, Adelphos, setteth fourth an example of one only slave to be well conditioned: and that was poor Geta, slave also unto a poor widow. In an other of his comedies entyled Hecyra, he feigneth Parmeno slave unto Pamphilus to be somedeal given to vices, and a very drawlatche, both inquisitive, and a blabbet fourth of things told unto him. Which two faults are of like kind, and yet such as most men have an espece of. Therefore unless they many ways be approved, I reek it no wisdom in trusting eany servants with secrets, where as the greater need constraineth not. no more than children, or wifes, in as much as nothing is more hard, then counsel keeping, and though a servant be trusty, yet is a man's mind changeable, yea and by privy whisterers may he soon be corrupted. For such a kind of men is there, the most malicious and reprovable that can be devised, whose chief delight is to sow discord atwixe the servants, and their masters, who where in dead they ne can well govern their own meigny, yet take they upon them the rule of others. Forgetting this verse of Homer, not without cause so much praised. 
Men, that have praignant policies known  
In others ne adis, but nought in their own.   
The civil law granteth action against them that corrupt a man's slave, or bondman, and I think the self same case may stand in a servant also corrupted. for what so ever he doth amiss in, they are to wit that enticed him thereunto. It is an honest man's part to exhort others servants to their duties doing, and when strife falleth between them and their masters, to set them (as much as in him lieth) at agreement. But those wicked tongues that go about to dissever servants from their hyrers, are worthy being hanged up in the chimney roof to be parched dry with smoke. Moreover as it cometh of ientilnes to remit light faults, so if you find your servants guilty of eany greater offences, as of theft, adultery, malicious slander, or accusement raised upon eany person, then would I advise you without long chiding strait to dismiss him. And because servants through continual abode, and practise in house with their masters, must needs have some intelligence of his affairs, This gift therefore would I chiefly wish in them, neither to hearken moche what is done abroad, nor yet to spread fourth things done at home. Which were better untold, namely such as at meals were perhaps spoken under the frankeste fashion. For nothing can be more knavish than such, as (according to Geta his guise in Therence) when so their master having shut the door to him is in secret communication with some friend of his, then holding their breath, lay care unto lock hole, or note well if eany word, perhaps in drink escaped him, which straight they report to them by whom the same was spoken, so telling that for earnest, which might be meant but in jest, yea and that with some additions of their own making. Wourthely is that slave commended, who when his master at supper, through drunkinnes, had uttered certain words of treason against th'emperor Augustus Cesar, the next morning advised him thereof, and that ere reaport of the same might through his accusers come to Caesar's ears, he should go and axe his pardon at him. Wherapon Cesar not alonely forgave the may star, but also moved him to enfranchise his so faithful a slave, giving to the same of his own revenues a certain stipend to live on. A servant that bringeth many news into his master's house, may we well suppose will carry out as many. Some men make but small count of surfeites or drunkynnes in their servants, as though the same were a fault more wourthye of laughter, than displeasure. Which in dead, might partly be borne with, ne were not the same a trayner of so huge a heap of vices following, When thereby servants become lither, unstanche of tongue, brawlers, fighters, yea and commonly fulfilled with diseases, so likewise is horehaunt by some men little passed of. But yet thereby servants get the french evil, and deal the same amongs their master's children and hole family, infecting oftentimes both master, and masters, may the same then be counted a light fault in them? Nay verily. And albeit to be amourus, as ferfourth as the law againsaith not, may somewhat be permitted in young folks. yet certes such loving causeth much inconvenience: when thereby servants after undue means make shift to furnish their craving lemons with gay gifts, and themselves also with gay apparel. But of all others, those are the shamefulleste that defile the self house they dwell in with their lechery, & uncleaner than the birds are, do bewray their own nests. Speadines in a servant is much commended by the wise Solomon. Hast thou seen (saith he) a man that speedily dispatcheth his business? he shall wait before princes, and shall not lout to mean men. Then blameth he as much eany stouthefull dolt, that folding his arms together, ydleth fourth the time, or being sent on an errant findeth many bars in the same with colpropheting, as, a lion is in the way, a bear haunteth such a wood, It is like to be fowl wether. so is he not sent fourth, but rather thrust out by the shoulders. Then shall he hover by the way upon every light occasion, staying himself even for the nonis, lest if he return the shortlier, he may straight be put to a new task. But yet the others speadines availeth not so much, unless an avised considrance be joined thereto: else, were it better to do no whit, then to frame a thing untowardly, but a certain ware delivernes in all things chiefly becometh eany serving man, for to much rest, is a brodgate unto vices, namely in young men, who for their small practice wot little how to govern themselves according to learned men's repose in studying. Then, as it is a kind part in a master, not to burden his servants overmuch, so ought he also take keep, that having somewhat aye in hand, they do spend their time in some fruit, yea rather should he put them to unneadfull works, than that slowthes rust might bite upon them. For as th'emperor Helioga balus was wont to set his men to task in this wise, commanding one within soch espace to catch him so many. M. flies, an other so many. M. spiders, & so forth, to th'end that being pestered with this business, they ne might do according to others servants usages, who take upon them to have an oyer in their masters public offices, oftentimes under that pretence, selling wind unto suitors. albeit this was but a fond devise of Heliogabalus, yet may the same be applied to our example. Pamphilus (as Therence in Hecyra expresseth) sendeth away his slave Parmeno to the haven side, upon a feigned messaige, lest being (as in dead he was) both inquisitive, & a blab also, he might have an inkling in matters of privity meet to be concelid. I have known also some men cause their servants writ some thing of small purpose, suppo sing it better for than to do a thing net there here, ne there, than that through idleness they should intend to worse occupations. Lowliness is a fair thing in a servant, for ye shall see some choplogikes, who scant will forbear their own masters. Themperor Hadrianus is much commended for that he warned a slave of his going amides two senators, to remember his own degree and condition. But now a days a servant, if his master be but of a mean estate, will little esteem him, not so much regarding how great wages, as of how great a man he receiveth the same. That although this mean master do no worse feed, and cloth him, yea and better tendeth his bringing up, then doth that great lord, yet under his wing lifts he up his horns, under tother seemeth he no thing well apaied with himself. So a servants pride reboundeth. oftentimes to his masters reproach.  
Moreover some there be that grudge to do aught, because they have of their own to live with, or for their wourshipful stocks sake. But what maketh that to their masters, who bestow no less cost upon them, then if they were taken up by the high way. Let no man therefore count so moche upon his degree at home, as of that room in service, which willingly he betaketh himself unto. It is an evil custom used amongs many nations, inespecial amongs Anglishemen, to keep about them for a show only, a superfluous number of waiting men, thinking themselves thereby the more wourshipfull, the greater train that followeth them. But (lord) what a band shall that be of trifling truants, both doltish, drunkin, and eke piking. And therefore may Uirgilles verse well be verified, 
What shall the masters do at last?  
when servants bribe, and steal so fast?   
For who so hath many servants, must needs have some unthrifty, than one only is enough to mar the hole flock. To this I hard it once said by a friend of mine merely conceited, He that hath but one man, hath some man, he that hath two, hath half a one: but he that hath three, hath never a one. For then if ought be misdone, th'one will twyte the fault in the other. If ought be not done, each will say he thought his fellow had gone about it. julianus th'emperor is much commended, for that he after the empress his wifes deceas, clearly dispatched his house of all such as were to be spared, which being but an unneadefull encumbrance, yet for her womanish fantasies sake, by her lief days he mainteygned. And therefore as a wise man buyeth household stuf, rather to serve himself, then to feed others eyes, so a great deal sooner ought unnecessary meigny be put away, who are nothing else but con summers of victuals, as Homer calleth them. Princis courts are much pestered with this evil, but not therewith only, sithence Ambition may hardly there be barred forth. Here I remember a certain mad tale, fondly brought fourth, but yet that serveth to this purpose. A certain good blood had encroached himself into the meigny of a bushope in Poleland, although his name were never entered in the checkroll. which part not withstanding, no man yet controlled him, that nation being liberal enough to departed with meat and drink. But when time came for all the servants to be paid their wages, he also throust in amongs them, whereat when the rest repined, advertising the bishop how the same was none of his retinue, The bishop called him fourth, and all to rating him, axed how he durst be so bold to demand wages, being never admitted of household? I have done you sir (que he) now a few months past, such service as other your men do. How so (que the bishop?) marry eaten your meat, and drunk your drink, with which answer the bishop being stirred to laughter said he had good skill, and so commanded him to be waged.  
Nat seldom the wayward disposition of a master is in cause that few can abide in house with him. That and if such are wourthely noted, as use their slaves or bondmen (cost they never so little) no better than bearing beasts, sithence they are men as we be, how much them more deserve they blame, that use their servants after like rate, being freemen, and but upon a condition only apprentised unto us? Add hereunto, that amongs christian men there ought a greater respect of humanity be had in all intentes. For we all be servants under one master, and as touching those things wherein very felicity chiefly consisteth, the lowest are on even board with the highest. Let a master therefore consider with himself, thus: what ever good turn I do him, I do it as for my brother, he being a member of the self same body I am of, and thereby shall I merit of Christ himself. Thus then ought a servant to repute again: What ever service I do unto him, the same do I unto Christ, who biddeth us with all our good hearts to obey our masters, and will therefore himself reward us, be they never so unientill. But now some seem to make it tough, in that they should become servants to others, setting fourth what high service they do, and thereby think them seluis much beholden unto, in that they deign to be obeisant, as who saith they bare in many points with their masters. But then again they consider not, how this ministration is equally dealt between them. For as to smaller purposes the servant endevorith himself towards his master, so he again in greater matters doth his part no less, Finding him both howserome, food, and clothing, keeping him from unthrifty company, bringing him up as well in sundry crafts, as also in learning, and good manners, yea and with an easy bit refraigninge his pliant courage, and slydinge youth, which else suffered to run at large would stumble upon all unhappiness. That admit it were so wretched a thing to live in awe, are not lords and princes sons then also wretched? But how goodly a thing is it (I pray you) for a servant to live under great, wise, and learned men, when thereby (and that without cost, or travail) he attaineth knowledge in many things, and also endueth himself both with wisdom, soberness, courtesy, and mannerly fashions. That and if eany mishap chance unto the servant, as by slander or violence done upon him, who but the master is ready to support him, if he fall in eany grievous malady, what thought (trow ye) will a loving master conceive for his recoverey? And yet is this in him reputed as no service, where as tother for carrying in a dish unto the table, or giving a pissepot, fareth as he served all the world. Than not seldom a master is driven to bear with his man's conditions, more than he will deign to suffer in his again, and that cometh of a more considrance in th'one then tother. Add hereto, that to be daunted under a stern, or wayward masters rule, availeth oft to tame a wild harebrain, in teaching him more attemperatenes. This the common sort of servants never calleth to remembrance, Only bearing in mind: Thus long have I served, and for thus small wages yearly. Nay then should they further reckon: Thus long, have I been mewed from evil haunts, hitherto, have I been well entreated, with howserome, meat, and dryneke, this while, have I conversed with honest company, I have seen men's customs abroad, I have gotten me reputation amongs good men, I have shifted of my rude, and goffishe manners. These causes move the richest oftentimes, to put fourth their best beloved chulderns in to strange countries, to th'end they might be broken, yea and that of their own expenses. Many do covet after rest, and liberty, where as nothing above th'one, may be more infective, specially in young folks, and then tother ne may so soon be called freedom, as a certain licentiousness, or lewd liberty, the very wellspring of all folly, to run at random hither, and thither, through the wide world perteygninge to no body. Which inconvenience now a days under title of religion is very breme amongs us. The world is full of vagabonds, and needy folks, who neither will labour, ne abide with eany man, ne yet be bound in eany covenant. and what do they then? Forsooth they beg alms, and entending to live in idleness uncontrolled, they become skolars: then what do they learn? ten words of latin, with as many of greek, and hebrewe, by rote, but those disciplines for which the tongues were furst ordained, do they never apply them selves unto, as physic, a study very meet for our bodily health, or else the law civil, whereby comen weals are governed, nor yet the law canon, or theology, which chief is our souls leech, (And yet I mean not this by all in general, but by a certain only, of whom (would god) the number were skarcer.) So that this is not the liberty of the spirit, (as they call it) ne yet of faith or charity, taught in the Godspell, which freely and for no gain meant abandoneth itself upon others needs, and stirreth all men to be the riper towards their own offices. How be it their piety, and tenderness ought not to be rejected. who with some succour do relieve such as are driven to wander fourth of their countries, or otherwise are fallen in to poverty. and yet (in mine advise) should they do better, in inducing soch young, and strong lubbers, to betake them to an occupation, so with some service and work doing, to earn their finding. For else will all men by their good wills, cleave unto idleness, and bealycheare scotfree. But (alas) to what stead in a comen wealth may such a froth, or rabblement of rascals serve? in case they swarm overmuch abroad? Thus will I stint here (wourshipful Maecenas) further to dilate of th'office of a servant, adding only for a conclusion and knot of all together, the image or portraiture of a good servant, according as the french men have the same painted in their houses, and that in this wise.  
first should he have a skarlette bonnet upon his head, with a fair shirt on his back, but in stead of a nose, they make him a hogs snout, with ass ears, and hearts feat, holding up his right hand stretched fourth, and upon his left shoulder bearing a cowlstaff with two pails of water, one before, an other behind. Last then, holding in his left hand a shovel full of quick coals, signifying by these devices, as touching the fair cap, and shirt, how a servant go netely appareled. by the hogs snout was mente, he should not be lickerous, or overdayntie mowthed, but content with all meats. the ass ears pretended, that he also should have patient earis, in suffering what ever his master should roughly say unto him. So like wise his hand holden up warned him of uprightness, in handlynge his masters goods. The hearts feet betokenid quykenes in dispatching lightly what ever he went about, and so by the two pails, and the fire was understood both deftenes, and good conveyance in bringing many things at ones to pass. This moche, at this time, came to my mind to write of, as touching the choice we should take in servants, and then what proof is to be made upon them, together with their offices set fourth accordingly. Albeit upon this matter there might a great deal more be enlarged.  
DIXI.   

Londini in officina Thomae Berthe, regij impressoris typis impress.  
Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.  
ANNO. M. D. XLIII.